Have you got any questions you want answered?

Have a look through our FAQs, but if you still need more information you can contact your bank.

How many Kiwis are using contactless payments?

Three quarters of Kiwis (73%) are using contactless technology. This is increasing every year as more consumers embrace the ease and convenience of contactless payments.

What are the benefits of contactless to shoppers?

New Zealand consumers value speed, convenience and ease when choosing where to conduct their business and how they pay.

People are increasingly using contactless payments and want choices on how to pay for each transaction. Cards are convenient, widely accepted, and more secure than cash.

In recent research commissioned by Mastercard amongst New Zealanders:

73% of New Zealanders say paying by contactless technology is convenient and easy

63% of Kiwis use contactless at least once a week

60% have increased their use of contactless payments during the past 12 months

31% of consumers find it frustrating when retailers do not have contactless enabled terminals

What are the benefits for businesses to provide contactless payments?

New Zealanders are technologically savvy and forward-thinking when it comes to using alternative payment methods. We want to help Kiwi businesses to be aware of these trends and provide the options their customers want to ensure their businesses keep succeeding.

Some of the benefits for businesses include:

Speed – reduces queuing

Minimises cash handling

Improves efficiency – transactions can be processed more quickly

Security – the card remains in the customers hand

Global system – can be used anywhere in the world

No chargebacks – businesses cannot be charged back for an unauthorised contactless transaction under $80. Transactions over $80 simply require a PIN

How do I sign up for or activate contactless on my terminal?

Please contact your bank to find out more about what is involved in enabling contactless, or complete this form to be contacted by your bank.

I thought contactless was for purchases $80 or less – is that right?

Customers can make purchases over $80 – they are just required to provide a PIN. The method of tapping is just the way of presenting the card at the terminal, the same way customers would choose to swipe or insert their card.

If a purchase is under $80, customers do not need to use their PIN.

Two thirds of New Zealanders (66%) know they can use Tap and Go technology and enter their PIN for purchases over $80.

Isn’t contactless more expensive?

In many cases it’s not, and it is probably a lot less expensive than people think.

The benefits of contactless payments for retailers aren’t just faster queues, reduced cash handling and more efficiently serving customers, but also help to pave the way for emerging payment methods like mobile payments and biometrics that will soon become mainstream in New Zealand.

Businesses can talk to their bank directly to find out what the benefits are and what any associated costs might be.

Watch our video about understanding payment fees [embed video].

What about the added security risks of contactless payments?

Mastercard take seriously the issue of fraud and security, and is committed to providing consumers with safe methods of payments. Our data reveals that since the introduction of chip-enabled cards and contactless technology, fraud remains at exceptionally low levels.

Contactless payments are one of the most secure ways to pay. In fact, the technology is just as secure as a regular credit or debit card.

By simply tapping the card on the terminal, the card remains in the customer's hands at all times, which improves the speed and security of the transaction.

Mastercard holders can also feel confident that even if their card is stolen or used fraudulently, they are covered with Zero Liability protection for any unauthorised purchases (more information).

How does handling cash cost my business?

The costs associated with cash are often overlooked by businesses. Whilst cash may appear relatively inexpensive, the real cost of cash includes expenses such as handling and counting cash, transporting cash to the bank, insurance, risk of loss or theft, and additional costs to society like printing and distributing money.

The small efficiency gains by using contactless payments can make a large difference to the bottom line of a business.

How do customers know that my business accepts contactless payments?

To help consumers take advantage of contactless payments, Mastercard has developed the Mastercard Nearby app, available in the App Store and Google Play.

What is the purpose of this campaign?

Kiwis are technologically savvy and have always embraced new ways of doing things. This includes being quick to adopt new payment options. In fact, New Zealanders are amongst the highest users of contactless in the world, with Tap & Go used by 73% of Kiwis.

While many Kiwi businesses and consumers are already enjoying the benefits of contactless, we want to help more New Zealand businesses ‘Switch On’ to a more digital and cashless world by enabling contactless payments on their terminals.

What are the main benefits of a cashless society for New Zealand?

New Zealanders have long considered cards a fast, convenient and secure way to pay. More than two-thirds of New Zealanders do not carry cash.

In fact, almost half (48%) of New Zealanders do not think cash will be used in ten years’ time, and cash transactions are expected to continue to decrease.

Contactless payments allow consumers and retailers to take advantage of innovations in payments. This technology opens the door for emerging payment technologies, such as mobile payments.

What are the next payment innovations my business needs to know about?

New Zealanders are fast moving towards being able to make payments without having to carry a physical wallet.

New Zealanders expect to see more emerging payment methods like mobile payments (53%), wearable technology like smartwatches (41%) and biometrics such as facial recognition and fingerprints (39%).

By switching on contactless payments, retailers can future-proof their business as well as provide choice for the growing number of consumers who prefer using contactless payments.